6 Incredible Ways Fashion is Evolving
When you hear the term “fashion-forward” what comes to mind? Most likely, it’s the exact opposite of words like “boring” or “unimaginative.” The fashion industry is all about taking risks and breathing new life into old concepts. So how does fashion stay ahead of the curve? Here are a few ways the industry is continuing to adapt to the ever-changing needs of consumers.
Increasing Diversity
One issue that is frequently mentioned is the representation of minorities. Thankfully, designers are starting to listen and take the necessary steps to be more inclusive. 27.9 percent of models who walked in fall runway shows in 2017 were people of color. For reference, the percentage of minority models for fall 2016 was 24.7. While there is definitely room for improvement, a 3.2 percent increase shows plenty of promise.
Taking Advantage of Recycling
Can you imagine wearing something as complex as a kimono made entirely out of recycled plastic? It’s not impossible. Emma Watson’s 2016 Met Gala dress was woven using yarn made from recycled water bottles. A major criticism of fashion has always been its tendency to neglect the environment. Waste has always been an issue as trends quickly come and go. What was once considered “in” can quickly become outdated by the time spring arrives. Instead of tossing what’s considered “out of season,” designers are opting to find ways to simply reuse the material to make something new.
Utilizing Social Media
The fashion industry has changed with the advent of sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Social media sites are visual in nature, which lends an advantage to designers looking to connect with potential buyers. 35 percent of millennial women make their clothing purchases based on what they see online. As brands opt to make full use of social media, that number will no doubt increase.
Promoting a Healthy Body Image
Body image has always been a touchy subject in the fashion community. Not all bodies are made the same, yet historically most designers tend to favor one body type over another. For instance, 67% of women are plus-sized, meaning the average waist size is 14 or larger. However, roughly 18% of clothing sold is considered plus-sized. Retailers such as Forever 21 and Nike are doing their part to expand their plus-size sections to accommodate a better variety of styles for all body types.
Cultivating Entrepreneurship
Much like entertainment, there is high potential for personal wealth creation in the fashion industry. Entrepreneurs have a nearly unlimited amount of resources to pull from with little-to-no startup costs. This is thanks to websites such as Shopify and Ebay, where there is traditionally an already-built-in user base to pull from. As long as creativity works in tandem with a strong business model, starting your own clothing line or store is just a few clicks away.
Bringing Jobs Back Home
Though there is still a consistent demand for high-end fashion, so too exists the the need to earning a livable wage. Job scarcity is a major concern for many consumers, but there seems to be a solution on the horizon. In 2016, the Re-shoring Initiative recorded that 32,000 jobs would be coming back to the United States. Apparel manufacturing makes up a large part of that chunk, and it’s also more convenient for small business owners. Local factories equate to a shorter turnaround time as well as the ability to monitor quality more easily.
It can be argued that evolution in itself is the secret ingredient to being successful in fashion. As such, it can’t afford to become stagnant as trends are constantly changing. Thankfully designers are finding creative ways to keep up with the times while ensuring sustainability and meeting the needs of consumers.
